What are the benefits and risks of using atypical antipsychotic agents in children with disruptive behaviors?

Abstract

EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER

Risperidone is moderately effective in decreasing aggression and conduct problems in children with disruptive behaviors, but may be associated with increased appetite, weight gain, hyperprolactinemia, and gastrointestinal symptoms (SOR: A, a meta-analysis of effects and systematic review of harms). Quetiapine, aripiprazole, and ziprasidone may also be effective, but quetiapine can cause weight gain (SOR: C, low-quality RCT and cohort study).